Monday, October 18, 2010

I Got Nuttin!

Seriously, I think running has drained just about every coherent thought from my brain. Either that, or the carbs have flooded it with so much, um, carby-goodness that I can't come up with anything decent to write about. So, rather than just leave all y'all hanging, I thought I'd post about what has become my new Saturday ritual: the ice bath.

How to take an ice bath:

  1. Fill the bathtub halfway with cold water.
  2. Inch your way into it, still wearing running clothes (it somehow seems easier, everyone agrees).
  3. Once you get used to it (ha! relative term), add a bag of ice.
  4. Alternate sips of hot coffee and recovery protein drink while posting on facebook using iTouch (try not to drop it into bath).
  5. If you live in Texas, it's still warm enough that the ice will melt pretty quickly. When this occurs, add second bag of ice to the now colder water.
  6. Force self to stay in for 15 - 20 minutes.
  7. Drain tub, peel off dripping wet clothes, dry off and put on every layer of clothing you own, including wool socks.
  8. Crawl into bed.
Seriously, I know this sounds like torture, and it is in a way, but I have become an ice-bath convert after seeing how quickly my legs recover following a long run when I do this. I'm sure it would help bikers (Lori!) and anyone who has had an exceptionally hard workout...if you are regularly taking ibuprofen after your workouts, try an ice bath instead. YOU might just become a convert, too!

26 comments:

  1. Ibuprofen after a workout? Seriously? That can't be good. Ibuprofen can be addictive and cause headaches which you try to fight with it. I've been kind of addicted to this for many years until I read that maybe my headaches might be caused by the Ibuprofen and I quitted cold turkey. Had a few days feelings terrible but my headaches were pretty much over after this.

    As it has been freezing last night here I don't think I would appreciate an ice bath :lol: maybe in Summer. I always stretch, drink a protein shake after my long runs and take a hot shower which seems to work for me. But I keep it in mind just in case this doesn't work anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Something else: holy crap Shelley 5 am? What time did you get up?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was going to say the same thing as Fran: Did you really post this at 5 a.m. or do you have an app for that? LOL

    Hope you find the BioFreeze helpful! Just remember to not put too much on in the middle of winter or it will make your ice bath seem like a sauna!

    ReplyDelete
  4. you KNOW Im awake and hoping you are with me :)
    Im now smitten with my TENNISBALLROLLINGONASS.

    (technical term)

    Im not running but think I shall keep it up when I am.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This sound interesting and will surely keep this in mind if I do need it one day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. As I shared with you, ice baths saved my running career. I don't wear the running clothes in, but I do wrap a towel around my shoulders. I totally agree that eating/drinking and playing on Facebook makes it seem less torturous!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds incredibly torturous but I can see where it would work!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. could not get into an icebath even if someone paid me ;-).

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is the first time I have heard of having an ice bath, but it sounds very interesting. I just might try it. I wonder if it would help my aching knees?

    ReplyDelete
  10. You do realize it's totally your fault that I now have the song "Ice, Ice Baby" stuck in my head ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've read about it, been advised to do it, but I think it might turn me off running for good!

    ReplyDelete
  12. When I ran track in high school, I ended every practice with an ice bath - it helped with shin splints too!

    Happy Monday! :D

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anything where the recovery is more torturous than the activity can't be that good! LOL I'm joking. But there is no way I'm getting in an ice bath unless shoved. I am very happy it's helping you with the running though.
    *bbbrrrrrrr*
    This proves that you really are a running badass.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What?? An ice bath in running clothes? Brrrrrr...I strip down and wear a granny shawl around my shoulders, ha, ha!! I can't stand these baths for more than ten minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I need a bathtub first. Grrr. Oh, and I seriously messed up my foot. Even MORE grrrrr.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm cold just reading it.....love that you crawled into bed. How many miles did you do?

    ReplyDelete
  17. I agree with some of your commenters: NO WAY! I barely like a tepid bath. Nope, screaming hot is the only bath for me. Summer = cool showers tho. Vee at http://veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ha ha - I just cannot even think of possibly bringing myself to put a toe in an ice bath LOL! You are a much, much braver woman than I. Cannot even handle an ice pack most times, it is so painful on my skin.

    ReplyDelete
  19. You're hard core, sista! But somehow you make it seem worth it. I'm sure it is, and since I'm not a runner (yet!), I will leave the ice baths to you.

    ReplyDelete
  20. If it is between, sticking to shorter runs or ice baths I think I'll stick to shorter runs! :)

    I'll just have to take your word for it that ice baths are great. Sounds fun.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Uhhhhmmmmm...this is a joke post right? ROFL

    Ok, so an ice bath MAY help....I just don't think I could do it!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sweety I will answer to your emails tomorrow or Wednesday. Didn't forget but haven't got time to sit down and answer them. So don't think I forget you, I will answer them.

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  23. That is funny. I was going to suggest that you make a post out of how to do an ice bath!

    That is amazing that anyone can do that. I just can't even conceive of it. Maybe if I ever tried to run 10 miles then I could conceive of it.

    What is the science behind it? Trying to figure that out. The ice constricts...well, everything. But how does that help?

    ReplyDelete

Comments are now moderated to prevent spammers from leaving, well, spam - but rest assured that as soon as I read a real comment, I will publish it. So please, comment away, even though the blog is officially closed. Thanks!